Rydell to sit out 2010 campaign

Rickard Rydell has announced that he will sit out the 2010 season following the loss of his World Touring Car Championship drive.

Rydell lost his role with SEAT when the Spanish marque elected to quit the championship but had been linked to drives both in the WTCC and elsewhere following the announcement.

However, the Swede has now confirmed that he will take a sabbatical during the year ahead although he will act as a pundit for the Viasat Motor channel on its coverage of the Swedish Touring Car Championship.

"SEAT withdrew the factory team from the WTCC during the winter and I felt early that I would not find another drive that would meet my requirements," he said. "The most important thing for me is to race with a competitive car capable of fighting for victories and championships. If the right drive will be available next year I would be more than happy to return to touring cars.

"For many years I have had up to 200 days of travelling and it will be great to spend more time at home. I also look forward to work with Viasat Motor again, which is one of a few things I will do in 2010 instead of being a racing driver."